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European Solidarity Corps

The European Solidarity Corps is a new European Union initiative intended to bring together young people to build a more inclusive society, supporting vulnerable people and responding to the challenges facing society across the continent.

It offers an inspiring and empowering experience for young people who want to help, learn and develop by funding a range of opportunities across a broad range of areas, such as integration of migrants, environmental challenges, prevention of natural disasters, education and youth activities or measures to prevent radicalisation. The European Solidarity Corps has a proposed overall budget of €375.6 million until 2020.

Who can take part in the European Solidarity Corps?

Young people aged 18-30 are the main target of the European Solidarity Corps. They will undertake volunteering activities or solidarity projects managed by organisations, institutions, bodies or groups.

Participants: Young people express their willingness to participate in the European Solidarity Corps by registering on the European Solidarity Corps Portal. Registration is possible from 17 years of age but participants must be 18 at the start of their activity and no older than 30 at the application deadline.

Organisations: European Solidarity Corps projects are submitted and managed mainly by organisations which have a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label or Erasmus+ Volunteering Accreditation. Organisations participating in European Solidarity Corps projects must be established in a European Solidarity Corps Participating Country or a Partner Country.

A dedicated website with information for UK organisations will be launched soon. In the meantime, you can subscribe to the European Solidarity Corps UK newsletter to receive the latest updates. Why not download our three promotional postcards, below, to help spread the word?

Benefit communities

Volunteer or work for amazing projects (432 KB)

Support people around Europe

Dedicate yourself to helping others (397 KB)

Have a real impact

Make a positive change in society (572 KB)

More information for organisations

What organisations can take part?

The European Solidarity Corps is open to organisations of all sizes, from multinational companies to small NGOs working in local communities, which support social actions and promote social inclusions. Funding can enhance organisations’ capacity and provision, while offering a meaningful experience for proactive young people.

In order to participate, organisations must hold a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label. Application details are expected to be released this summer.

Do you already have an accreditation?

If your organisation is already accredited under Erasmus+ for volunteering projects, then it is already able to access PASS.

In the case of ongoing 2016 or 2017 European Voluntary Service (EVS) projects, we strongly recommend encouraging volunteers to register on the portal and linking with them on PASS. This enables participants to benefit from on-line materials for learning and development, post placement support and community building activities, including possible alumni activities.

What types of projects are possible?

Projects can take place abroad, according to the area covered by each activity, or in-country. All activities must address solidarity-related topics such as:

Inclusion

Citizenship and democratic participation

Disaster prevention and recovery

Environment and natural protection

Health and wellbeing

Education and training

Reception and integration of refugees and migrants

This list is not exhaustive, and could be amended as the initiative is developed.

More information for young people

How will young people benefit from it?

The European Solidarity Corps is the perfect match for young people who want to take social action, develop their skills and enhance their employability. It also enables them to connect with like-minded people and feel rewarded for making a difference.

After their activity, participants receive a certificate that documents their participation. This could be used when applying for jobs or further learning.

Participants’ travel and accommodation costs can be covered for the duration of the activity and some spending is provided for additional personal expenses. Relevant training will be given before the activity starts and after arrival on site.